DIY Homemade Dog Treat Recipes
Making your own dog treats at home is a fun and nutritious way to show your pup some love. Unlike many store-bought options, DIY treats are free of preservatives, artificial flavors, and questionable fillers. Plus, you can customize them to your dog’s taste and dietary needs!
Here are five easy, healthy, and delicious dog treat recipes you can make with everyday ingredients.
1. Peanut Butter & Banana Biscuits
Great for: All-around snacking and picky eaters
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Bake Time: 12–15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- ½ cup xylitol-free peanut butter
- 1¾ cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for grain-free)
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix banana, peanut butter, and egg until smooth.
- Gradually add flour and stir until a dough forms.
- Roll out dough and cut into shapes with cookie cutters.
- Bake on a lined sheet for 12–15 minutes or until golden.
- Let cool completely before serving.
Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
2. Pumpkin & Oat Dog Treats
Great for: Digestive health and fiber
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
- 2½ cups rolled oats
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Blend 1½ cups of oats to create oat flour.
- In a bowl, mix pumpkin, egg, and yogurt.
- Add oat flour and remaining oats; mix until dough forms.
- Roll out and cut into small shapes.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until firm.
Health Tip: Pumpkin is great for relieving both constipation and diarrhea in dogs.
3. Frozen Watermelon & Yogurt Treats
Great for: Hydration and summer cooling
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Freeze Time: 4–6 hours
Ingredients:
- 2 cups seedless watermelon, blended
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
Instructions:
- Blend watermelon until smooth.
- Pour into silicone molds or ice cube trays, filling halfway.
- Add a dollop of yogurt on top.
- Freeze until solid (4–6 hours).
- Serve cold on hot days!
Tip: Great for teething puppies or cooling off after a walk.
4. Cheesy Sweet Potato Chews
Great for: Dental health and long-lasting chewing
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Bake Time: 2–3 hours
Ingredients:
- 1 large sweet potato
- ¼ cup grated cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp turmeric (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Slice sweet potato lengthwise into thin strips.
- Sprinkle with cheese and turmeric.
- Bake for 2–3 hours, flipping halfway, until firm and chewy.
- Let cool before serving.
Health Tip: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory benefits and supports joint health.
5. Apple & Carrot Pupcakes
Great for: Special occasions and birthdays
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Bake Time: 15–20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup grated carrots
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
- Spoon into mini muffin tins or silicone molds.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until firm and golden.
- Cool before serving.
Bonus Tip: Add a small swipe of peanut butter as “frosting” for a special touch.
Foods to Avoid in Dog Treats
Not all human ingredients are safe for dogs. Never use:
- ❌ Xylitol (commonly found in sugar-free peanut butter and gum)
- ❌ Grapes or raisins
- ❌ Chocolate or caffeine
- ❌ Onions or garlic
- ❌ Excess salt or seasoning blends
Safety Tip: Always double-check labels, especially when using peanut butter or broth.
Final Thoughts
Homemade dog treats are a healthy, affordable, and heartfelt way to treat your pup. Whether you’re baking biscuits or blending frozen goodies, these recipes are sure to get tails wagging. Rotate different types of treats for variety and store extras in the freezer to keep them fresh!
